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Staff Sargent leaving Burns Lake

The man who has been at the helm of Burns Lake’s RCMP detachment for the past four years is moving on to another challenge
Staff Sargent leaving Burns Lake
Staff Sgt. Grant MacDonald

The man who has been at the helm of Burns Lake’s RCMP detachment for the past four years is moving on to another challenge.

Staff Sgt. Grant MacDonald, who came to Burns Lake in August 2011, has accepted a new posting in Drumheller, Alberta, where he’ll again serve as detachment commander. The move won’t get him any closer to home, his wife Faye, and 17-year-old son Ryan, but it will allow him to visit more regularly with his 18-year-old daughter.

“My family and our home is in Whitehorse, Yukon,” he explained last week. “Our daughter, Cassandra, is going into second year of her nursing program in Lethbridge, Alberta, which prompted my request for a transfer to Southern Alberta.”

Being separated from family for long periods of time has been challenging for MacDonald, who only makes it home an average of four times each year. Yet it’s something to which he has become somewhat accustomed; prior to his arrival in Burns Lake, he was stationed for several years in Masset on Haida Gwaii.

“I am extremely fortunate to have an incredibly supportive family who recognize my passion for serving as a member of the RCMP,” says the 25-year RCMP veteran. “I am thankful for technology, including Skype, to enable our family to see and speak to each other more often. Use of other social media, such as Facebook and iPhones enabling texting, has helped bridge the gap. Even with this, singlehandedly, the biggest challenge is simply not being there in person on a day-to-day basis to keep abreast of family life. Again, I am very grateful to have a wife who is independent and strong enough to run the ship in my absence.”

MacDonald, who turned 53 last week, has enjoyed his time in Burns Lake, and will take with him many fond memories. His posting here has been rewarding, both personally and professionally.

“Ever since my arrival, the local people have warmly welcomed me into Burns Lake and throughout the past four years, and always made me feel welcome and a valued part of the community,” he says. “Additionally, the social fabric in Burns Lake is nothing short of awesome. The people of Burns Lake and area have consistently demonstrated leadership, resiliency, compassion, and strength through tragedies such as the Babine mill explosion. On a personal level, I have thoroughly enjoyed the area for biking, hiking, running and geo-caching.”

He’s pleased with the detachment’s accomplishments during his tenure here, particularly its record with the local youth.

“From a work perspective, I am very proud of the dedication and commitment demonstrated by members and employees of Burns Lake detachment in enhancing the relationship with our youth, who are the most precious natural resource we have,” he explained. “Examples of some of the projects the Burns Lake RCMP have been able to deliver includes having delivered a canoe journey in partnership with the Wet'suwet'en First Nation in each of the past four years, the establishment of the Beat the Heat trophy that brought youth from the Lake Babine Nation Youth Center together with members of the Burns Lake RCMP in friendly competitions such as pool.”

MacDonald downplays his personal contributions, but there’s no denying he had a major impact during his four years here. In addition to changing the way RCMP members interact with the community, he was heavily involved in local organizations and events.

During the past 48 months, he’s served on the boards of both the Burns Lake & District Chamber of Commerce and Lakes District Community Services, been a member of the Downtown Revitalization Committee, and acted as coordinator for Special Olympics here. He found time to help coach youth basketball at the Island Gospel Church, referee youth soccer, represent the Burns Lake detachment on the Cops for Cancer Tour de North, and act as a badminton official at the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George.

It’s these personal contributions, as much as his professional record, which have earned him the admiration and respect of many.

“I’m really sorry to hear, Grant, that you’re leaving us,” Councillor Susan Schienbein said after MacDonald announced his impending departure at last week’s council meeting. “You’ve been a really welcome addition in this community. Thank you.”

“As a board member, Grant’s contribution to the agency has been invaluable,” added Kelly Turford, executive director of Lake District Community Services. ”His support, guidance, and belief in the agency’s mission have been greatly appreciated. His dedication and participation with our developmentally disabled adult participants of our REACH program have had a positive impact and will be greatly missed.”

Despite the kind words, MacDonald says he would have liked to achieve more during his time here.

“There are always things one wishes they could have accomplished that they don't while serving each community,” he says. “…Operationally, the one regret I have is that we have not been able to locate the whereabouts of P.J. Sebastian, who was reported missing in our area in January 2012. In my 24-plus years of police experience, this is the first case in which a person reported missing has not been located before I moved on to my next detachment. We continue to actively follow-up with leads associated to this file, but to date to no avail. I have so much respect for the family, who have held strong throughout this time, and I would like to bring closure to the uncertainty that accompanies not knowing where he is.”

MacDonald will departure Burns Lake in August. He insists, though, that he’ll be back.

“I want to assist in forming a team of local runners to participate in the Skeena River Relay in June of 2016,” he explained. “This will bring me back into the Lakes District prior to this event. It is also possible that in the future, I will be required to return to Burns Lake for provincial court or Smithers for Supreme Court. Finally, should I drive back to Whitehorse over the course of my tenure in Drumheller, I would choose to travel west on Highway 16 en route to Whitehorse, and use Burns Lake as a place to stay overnight and visit friends.”

Given his legacy, it’s likely he’ll be welcome. He already has an open invitation to coffee from Mayor Luke Strimbold.